As four year old Clara makes strides to walk on her own...her mom is running full–speed ahead.

Jill Gebeck gave birth to twins 24 weeks premature and as a result, both have cerebral palsy.

Clara and Jackson spent the first four months of their little lives at Essentia Health's Newborn Intensive Care Unit.

"It really became their first home and it became our home too and so we always look for a way to pay them back for all the great service they provided and love and care they've given our children."

Jill decided to show her gratitude by raising money and taking pledges as she trained for the Gary Bjorklund half–marathon.

"I think we all know someone who's had a child in the NICU, if not for a day or two, a week or two, or a month, or four months it's you know, the only one north of the Twin Cities and it's something that's really needed."

Essentia Health's SMDC Foundation is raising funds to build a new NICU that would allow for better care, family bonding, and greater efficiency for staff.

"I wanted to raise about $1,500 dollars and I think I'm pretty close to that."

With twins and a seven year old, finding the time to train for a half–marathon can be tricky.

"I have wonderful people come to help me watch the kids, we call them personal care attendants and they allow me to leave the house from time to time to get that done so I'm pretty fortunate."

Clara and Jackson go to therapy three or four days a week...Jill says they're doing well.